Maryland Transportation Authority to Vote on New Chesapeake Bay Bridge Plan
Key Takeaways
- Maryland transportation officials will vote Dec. 18 on a preferred plan to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
- The Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study found seven alternative plans for the bridge, which were presented to the MDTA in 2024.
- If approved, construction could begin as early as 2032 following environmental review and final design.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will vote on a proposed plan to construct a new Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Dec. 18.
Out of seven proposed alternatives evaluated in the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, “Alternative C” was selected for its cost-effectiveness and minimized impacts to the surrounding communities, according to WTOP News.
Alternative C Selected as Preferred Option
The plan would include the construction of two four-lane bridges and the removal of the existing bridge, nearly doubling the crossing’s current capacity, WTOP News reported. Full shoulders would be added across the entire span, which the study said would support improved capacity, reliability and mobility.
According to WBAL TV, removing the existing bridge structure would address current deficiencies, including narrow travel lanes and the lack of shoulders, while eliminating the need for major rehabilitation work that would result in lane closures and delays.
WBAL TV reported that the bridge must also be raised to meet U.S. Coast Guard navigational clearance requirements. The proposed bridge’s clearance would match the height of the new Key Bridge, allowing larger ships to access the Port of Baltimore.
The proposal also includes widening U.S. Route 50/301 to four lanes in each direction from west of Oceanic Drive to east of Cox Creek, creating smoother transitions to the new bridge crossing, WBAL TV reported.
Phased Construction and Timeline
According to WTOP News, construction would be completed in multiple phases if approved. The project would begin with the construction of a new eastbound span south of the existing bridge. Once completed, the old eastbound lanes would be removed.
Construction of the new westbound span between the existing bridge structures would follow, and the old westbound lane would be removed after the new spans open.
Officials have not yet determined whether pedestrian and bicycle access will be included in the final bridge design, the outlets reported.
Public hearings on the proposal are scheduled for February. The Bay Crossing Study began in 2022, with the seven alternatives presented in 2024, according to WTOP News.
If Alternative C is approved, a Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision is expected in November, WTOP News reported. Final design work is expected to conclude in 2028, with bridge construction potentially beginning in 2032.